James Hampton, a talented individual, was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended John H. Reagan Elementary, N.R. Crozier Technical High School, and the University of North Texas, where he majored in Theatre Arts. Hampton further honed his acting skills by studying with renowned instructors Michael Howard in New York and Leonard Nimoy in Los Angeles.
He began his career by working with Baruch Lumet at Knox Street Theatre in Dallas and performing summer stock at Casa Manana in Fort Worth in 1961. Hampton's early success led to off-Broadway appearances in "Easy Does It" alongside Tom Poston and Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, as well as a national tour with Burt Reynolds in "Rainmaker".
He continued to make a name for himself in Chicago, starring in "Tender Trap" alongside Reynolds at Arlington Park Theatre and taking on the title role in "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter" at the same theatre, sharing the stage with Mamie Van Doren and Rick Jason. Hampton's extensive filmography includes a wide range of projects, from "The Longest Yard" (1974) to "Teen Wolf" (1985),with his most iconic role being Private Hannibal Dobbs, the enthusiastic but inept bugler in the beloved sitcom "F Troop" (1965).
Tragically, James Hampton passed away at the age of 84 due to complications from Parkinson's disease at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.
